Estancia Cerro Guido

Immerse yourself in Patagonian heritage and culture on this 101,000-hectare working estancia. Estancia Cerro Guido borders the eastern side of Torres del Paine in the perfect place to marvel at the towers of the Paine Massif and rolling pampas. Stay in beautifully restored worker houses in this small, remote community, eat the finest organic produce and witness the traditional gaucho lifestyle.

Why we like this estancia

At over 100 years old, it takes you back in time as you imagine how gaucho life must have been in this remote part of the world before Torres del Paine was on the traveller's map

You get the chance to have a more traditional experience by staying in houses that were formerly those of the estancia workers and witnessing gaucho skills such as sheep shearing and horseback riding

It's an extremely comfortable place to stay while visiting Torres del Paine and the surrounding areas, with easy access to the eastern side of the park

The food is superb with three-course meals using organic produce from the estancia's allotments, delicious lamb cooked in the traditional style 'al palo', and some of the finest of Chile's wines being served

Pick from a wide range of excursions that allow you to explore within the park or in some of the lesser-visited places, like the Baguales mountain range on the Argentinian border

Swoop Says

You get a real sense here of the gaucho culture and traditional Patagonian life, all while staying in very comfortable lodgings just a short distance from the park boundary.

Things to do

Horseback riding

Follow the lead of the gauchos by crossing the pampas on horseback to get awe-inspiring views of the Paine Massif, Sierra Baguales and Las Chinas Valley. Start at the estancia stables and work out the best route with your guide according to your experience and preferences. For anyone interested in horse riding, this is not to be missed.

Biking

Rent a mountain bike from the estancia and pedal your way along gravel tracks, taking in extraordinary views of the mountains, valleys and pampas. There are routes that vary in length and difficulty so there's something for everyone. You will be provided with all the necessary equipment, such as a helmet and gloves, as well as safety equipment, including a radio and first aid kit.

Flora and fauna trail

Whether you wish to hike, bike or horseback, join a guide and explore the rich biodiversity of the estancia itself. You can spot all kinds of birds, guanacos, foxes, skunks, and, if you're lucky, pumas and huemul deer. Your guide will also be pointing out the local plant and tree species along the way.

Hiking

Follow popular trails in the park to get views of the iconic granite towers, the layered rock of the cuernos and the glistening icy facades of Grey Glacier. Alternatively, explore routes east of the park within a short distance from Cerro Guido. The estancia will be able to advise you on these self-guided hikes. The trailheads aren't far away, although you will need your own vehicle unless you are visiting as part of a group tour.

Swoop Says

Stay at Estancia Cerro Guido to get off the beaten track. You will need to come either with your own transport or as part of a group tour as they don't offer an all-inclusive programme or transport to and from the estancia. It's more than worth it for the jaw-dropping scenery and remote setting.

About Estancia Cerro Guido

Setting

Covering an area of 101,000 hectares, Cerro Guido borders the eastern side of Torres del Paine National Park and is the largest estancia in the area. From the restored farmhouses you can gaze at the iconic towers of Paine and enjoy the vast Patagonian landscapes. It's a great spot for nature and wildlife-lovers thanks to a wide variety of flora and fauna in the area.

History

Settlers from Tierra del Fuego came to the area over 100 years ago looking for land on which they could expand their network of cattle ranches. These self-sufficient estancias bore the gaucho lifestyle which in turn became embedded in Patagonian culture. This is how Estancia Cerro Guido came to be and more than a century later, its traditional farmhouses have been restored to their former glory and transformed into a delightful, cosy place to stay.

Rooms and pricing

Rooms are bright and spacious with traditional furnishings and wooden floors. There are 12 superior rooms that can be either doubles or twins (a bed can be added in three of the rooms to be triples). All have large, comfy beds and cosy duvets and pillows. You get wonderful views of the dramatic Paine Massif or over the rolling pampas. Each room has its own private bathroom. You will keep warm as rooms are well heated.

The price per person per night starts from $190 USD. This includes accommodation, breakfast, a welcome drink and a guided tour of the Estancia (depending on availability). Excursions are available at an additional cost.

Food and drink

The estancia's restaurant, 'Kaw', serves delicious local dishes put together with fresh organic produce from their allotments and fine meat cuts. They do a fantastic asado (barbecue) in the traditional Patagonian style with lamb grilling over an open fire. The wines available are some of the best from Chile's central wine-producing region. Dietary requirements can easily be catered for with prior notice.

Subscribe to our newsletter

The Adventure begins here!

About Swoop

We help people with adventures in extraordinary destinations. Our exclusive focus on Patagonia and the Polar Regions means that whatever kind of adventure you're looking for, we can help. We've got the knowledge, relationships and experience to help you plan a trip that matches your dreams, budget and appetite for adventure.